Reported Liverpool target Manu Kone could now be injured until after the September international break.
Kone had been strongly linked with a move to Anfield in the early weeks of the transfer window opening. As recently as early July there were even claims that Liverpool were readying a bid for him.
However, in the weeks since the whispers have died down. Part of the reason for that may be an injury the 22-year-old picked up while on duty with France at the U21 Euros in June. According to Kicker, the injury may now be worse than first feared.
They claim that there had initially been hope that Kone would return from the knee issue in mid-August. However, that now looks unlikely.
Instead, it could reportedly be as late as the beginning of September before the Borussia Monchengladbach man makes his return.
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Obviously, this would be after the end of the current transfer window. This could scupper any hopes Gladbach have of cashing in on Kone.
Nevertheless, it’s claimed that the Bundesliga side won’t rush the midfielder back. They also reportedly retain a hope that having recovered quickly in the past, Kone may still spring a surprise and be back sooner than expected.
Kone injury throws move into doubt
As Liverpool’s midfield options dwindle, they really can’t afford to be taking risks on injured players right now.
That might sound short-sighted – and maybe it is – but the Reds need to bring in players who can hit the ground running.
In Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic, they already have two injured midfielders back at base. Without counting any potential incomings, that leaves them with just four fit senior options.
Obviously, you sign a player for years and not just an initial period of bedding in. And the signs are there that Kone would be a really good addition.
He was called ‘phenomenal’ by former Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and has the potential to be a top player in the future.
But unfortunately for Liverpool, they have manoeuvred themselves into a position where that is no longer good enough. They need to sign players for the here and now, as well as the future.
So, as good as Kone may be, this injury should have ruled him out of Liverpool’s thinking for this summer. If he stays where he is, he could be one they come back to in the future. But having had their fair share of injury-prone midfielders, they should exercise a degree of caution here.